Gene Hackman’s Dead Dog Misidentified Amid Ongoing Mystery of Actor’s Death

The mysterious deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have taken another puzzling turn, as it’s been confirmed that their deceased dog was misidentified by authorities. Yes, even in investigations, not all dogs look alike, apparently.

According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department, the dog found near Arakawa’s body was initially described incorrectly in the search warrant affidavit. The owner of Santa Fe Tails, a local pet care facility, clarified that the deceased dog was not the breed listed in the official documents. Joey Padilla, the facility’s owner, explained, "Zinna was a mutt... a mixed breed. Bear is the purebred German shepherd, and Nikita’s the shepherd mix." It seems the investigators might need a crash course in canine breeds.

Deputies admitted to the mistake, with sheriff’s spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila commenting, "Our deputies, they don’t work with canines on a daily basis." While that’s understandable, perhaps a bit more attention to detail wouldn’t hurt when dealing with a case this high-profile.

Padilla also shared that Nikita, the shepherd mix, was visibly shaken during the ordeal, saying, "She was really terrified of what was going on when all of this was happening." The poor pup was so frightened and hungry that the pet care team had to use a trap to safely rescue her. Understandable, considering the confusion surrounding her now-deceased owners.

Hackman, 95, and Arakawa were found dead on February 26 at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, their partially mummified bodies discovered under what authorities are calling "suspicious circumstances." Officials suspect the couple may have been deceased for up to two weeks before their discovery. While carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out and no external trauma was found, the case remains unresolved pending autopsy and toxicology results.

Adding more intrigue to the case, investigators recovered several items from the home, including two cellphones, prescription medications, and a 2025 planner. But so far, none of these clues have cracked the mystery wide open.

The New Mexico Gas Company conducted a thorough investigation of the residence for gas leaks or carbon monoxide, finding nothing significant. Meanwhile, the entertainment world continues to mourn the loss of the Oscar-winning actor, best known for his iconic roles in classics like The French Connection and Superman.

As investigators piece together the puzzle, fans and Hollywood alike are left grappling with the unexpected and tragic end to the lives of Hackman and Arakawa. And while the canine mix-up may seem minor in the grand scheme, it underscores how even small details can add layers of confusion to an already complex case.